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Evidence Guide: MSS025014A - Perform sampling and testing of contaminated sites

Student: __________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________________

Tips for gathering evidence to demonstrate your skills

The important thing to remember when gathering evidence is that the more evidence the better - that is, the more evidence you gather to demonstrate your skills, the more confident an assessor can be that you have learned the skills not just at one point in time, but are continuing to apply and develop those skills (as opposed to just learning for the test!). Furthermore, one piece of evidence that you collect will not usualy demonstrate all the required criteria for a unit of competency, whereas multiple overlapping pieces of evidence will usually do the trick!

From the Wiki University

 

MSS025014A - Perform sampling and testing of contaminated sites

What evidence can you provide to prove your understanding of each of the following citeria?

Assist with preliminary site study

  1. Locate and review relevant legislative, regulatory and/or planning requirements and register for contaminated sites
  2. Confirm the site location, scope and purpose of the investigation and assigned tasks with supervisor
  3. Source and review available site data, including site history, geology, hydrogeology and meteorological data
  4. Summarise information to assist with preparation of a site chronology and identification of gaps or inadequacies in data, potential contaminants and areas of possible contamination
Locate and review relevant legislative, regulatory and/or planning requirements and register for contaminated sites

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Confirm the site location, scope and purpose of the investigation and assigned tasks with supervisor

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source and review available site data, including site history, geology, hydrogeology and meteorological data

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summarise information to assist with preparation of a site chronology and identification of gaps or inadequacies in data, potential contaminants and areas of possible contamination

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare for site activities

  1. Confirm the scope and purpose of sampling, testing and/or monitoring activities and data requirements with supervisor
  2. Liaise with site controller to access site, identify locations of services and arrange for induction, clearances and/or permits, as necessary
  3. Review risks posed by site contaminants and review the health and safety plan and safe work procedures specified for planned activities
  4. Confirm the sampling/test methods, sampling/test points, numbers and types of samples and/or measurements with supervisor
  5. Review specified sampling/test methods with close attention to the sequence of steps and details for each
  6. Check the operation/calibration of required sampling equipment, test and/or monitoring instruments in accordance with relevant methods, standards and manufacturer instructions
  7. Ensure all required reagents, solutions and/or calibration standards are obtained and ready for field use
  8. Assemble and safely stow all sampling equipment, test instruments, materials, containers, safety equipment and personal protective equipmentArrange suitable transport to, from and around site as required
Confirm the scope and purpose of sampling, testing and/or monitoring activities and data requirements with supervisor

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liaise with site controller to access site, identify locations of services and arrange for induction, clearances and/or permits, as necessary

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review risks posed by site contaminants and review the health and safety plan and safe work procedures specified for planned activities

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Confirm the sampling/test methods, sampling/test points, numbers and types of samples and/or measurements with supervisor

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review specified sampling/test methods with close attention to the sequence of steps and details for each

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check the operation/calibration of required sampling equipment, test and/or monitoring instruments in accordance with relevant methods, standards and manufacturer instructions

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check the operation/calibration of required sampling equipment, test and/or monitoring instruments in accordance with relevant methods, standards and manufacturer instructions

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure all required reagents, solutions and/or calibration standards are obtained and ready for field use

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assemble and safely stow all sampling equipment, test instruments, materials, containers, safety equipment and personal protective equipmentArrange suitable transport to, from and around site as required

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assist with site inspection

  1. Sketch, map and/or photograph the site features
  2. Conduct a visual inspection to identify site features that may inform the need for and design of subsequent investigations
  3. Collect preliminary samples, as directed, to help characterise possible contamination hazards prior to detailed investigations
Sketch, map and/or photograph the site features

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conduct a visual inspection to identify site features that may inform the need for and design of subsequent investigations

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collect preliminary samples, as directed, to help characterise possible contamination hazards prior to detailed investigations

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conduct sampling as directed

  1. Locate sampling/test points and any services at the site
  2. Work effectively with other site personnel during drilling excavation and/or survey operations to collect reliable samples, logs and measurements, as necessary
  3. Follow specified procedures to minimise hazards and/or contamination of samples, self/others, equipment and environment
  4. Collect and preserve required samples in accordance with sampling plan, relevant methods and/or standards
  5. Record all information and label samples in accordance with traceability requirements
  6. Record environmental conditions and/or atypical observations made during sampling that may impact on validity or integrity of samples
  7. Store and transport all samples back to base in accordance with specified method, chain of custody requirements and relevant codes
Locate sampling/test points and any services at the site

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Work effectively with other site personnel during drilling excavation and/or survey operations to collect reliable samples, logs and measurements, as necessary

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Follow specified procedures to minimise hazards and/or contamination of samples, self/others, equipment and environment

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collect and preserve required samples in accordance with sampling plan, relevant methods and/or standards

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Record all information and label samples in accordance with traceability requirements

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Record environmental conditions and/or atypical observations made during sampling that may impact on validity or integrity of samples

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Store and transport all samples back to base in accordance with specified method, chain of custody requirements and relevant codes

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conduct field tests and/or monitoring as directed

  1. Obtain sample or sub-sample for designated field test
  2. Check that all equipment, instruments, reagents and calibration standards are fit for purpose
  3. Set up and calibrate instruments as necessary to ensure safe operation and valid results
  4. Operate equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements
  5. Follow specified procedures to minimise hazards and/or contamination of samples, self/others, equipment and environment
  6. Perform required measurements and tests on all samples and standards, if appropriate, in accordance with specified methods
  7. Keep accurate, complete and traceable records of all field observations and test results
Obtain sample or sub-sample for designated field test

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check that all equipment, instruments, reagents and calibration standards are fit for purpose

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Set up and calibrate instruments as necessary to ensure safe operation and valid results

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operate equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Follow specified procedures to minimise hazards and/or contamination of samples, self/others, equipment and environment

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perform required measurements and tests on all samples and standards, if appropriate, in accordance with specified methods

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep accurate, complete and traceable records of all field observations and test results

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clean, decontaminate and/or dispose of contaminated equipment and materials

  1. Inspect equipment to assess the degree of contamination
  2. Use specified procedures to remove material from the exposed outer surfaces of sampling/test equipment and personal protective equipment
  3. Use specified procedures and reagents to neutralise, wash and/or rinse exposed surfaces
  4. Collect rinsate blanks for analysis and preserve/store in accordance with specified procedure or standard
  5. Stow items for transport only when thoroughly dry
  6. Safely collect all debris and sullage from decontamination in accordance with relevant regulations and codes
Inspect equipment to assess the degree of contamination

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use specified procedures to remove material from the exposed outer surfaces of sampling/test equipment and personal protective equipment

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use specified procedures and reagents to neutralise, wash and/or rinse exposed surfaces

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collect rinsate blanks for analysis and preserve/store in accordance with specified procedure or standard

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stow items for transport only when thoroughly dry

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Safely collect all debris and sullage from decontamination in accordance with relevant regulations and codes

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finalise site activities

  1. Arrange for the safe disposal of all hazardous wastes in accordance with relevant regulations and codes
  2. Ensure all site observations, sampling/test data and results are accurately transferred to the enterprise information management system
  3. Store samples in accordance with method, chain of custody requirements and relevant codes, as necessary
  4. Ensure samples are dispatched for analytical testing within recommended holding times
Arrange for the safe disposal of all hazardous wastes in accordance with relevant regulations and codes

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure all site observations, sampling/test data and results are accurately transferred to the enterprise information management system

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Store samples in accordance with method, chain of custody requirements and relevant codes, as necessary

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure samples are dispatched for analytical testing within recommended holding times

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Process and interpret data

  1. Review test/monitoring data noting atypical observations
  2. Calculate required quantities using relevant test method and ensure values are consistent with expectations
  3. Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with enterprise procedures, if required
  4. Record processed results in accordance with enterprise procedures
  5. Interpret trends in data and/or results and report atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel
  6. Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results
  7. Compare results with established threshold levels or environmental quality concentration limits, if relevant
  8. Finalise reporting of results in accordance with enterprise requirement
Review test/monitoring data noting atypical observations

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calculate required quantities using relevant test method and ensure values are consistent with expectations

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with enterprise procedures, if required

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Record processed results in accordance with enterprise procedures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interpret trends in data and/or results and report atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compare results with established threshold levels or environmental quality concentration limits, if relevant

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finalise reporting of results in accordance with enterprise requirement

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain a safe work environment

  1. Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to enterprise procedures
  2. Check serviceability of all equipment before storage
  3. Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of others
  4. Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts
Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to enterprise procedures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check serviceability of all equipment before storage

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of others

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessed

Teacher: ___________________________________ Date: _________

Signature: ________________________________________________

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions to Assessors

Evidence Guide

Overview of assessment

Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:

demonstrating an understanding of the legislative, regulatory and planning requirements for contaminated sites

using accurate terminology to describe common contaminants and sampling/test/safety equipment

interpreting and applying site sampling/monitoring plans, sampling/test methods and standards, health and safety plans, and safe work method statements

observing site features accurately and recognising hazards

operating, maintaining and/or calibrating sampling and test equipment to obtain reliable samples and produce consistently valid and accurate results

interpreting gross features of data, identifying atypical results and making relevant conclusions

calculating results using appropriate units/precision

providing accurate, complete records of sampling and test observations, data and results

working safely for the protection of self and others

following relevant legislative/regulatory requirements for the disposal of waste and the preservation of the environment.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment.

Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidate’s workplace.

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSS024006A Perform sampling and testing of water

MSS025006A Collect and evaluate groundwater data

MSS025007A Perform sampling and testing of soils

MSS025009A Perform sampling and testing of air

PSPRAD707A Monitor radiation.

The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.

Resources may include:

vehicles

safety procedures, safe work methods, sampling and test methods, standards and equipment manuals

appropriate sampling containers sampling/test equipment, analysers, reagents and gases

specified safety equipment, decontamination equipment and reagents

digital camera

global positioning system (GPS), logbooks and data loggers, and computers.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

inspection of samples collected by the candidate

review of measurements, test results, calculations and observations produced by the candidate

review of sampling/test records and reports completed by the candidate

feedback from supervisor about the candidate’s ability to consistently apply enterprise procedures and work safely

oral and written questioning to check the candidate’s understanding of the principles of sampling/testing of contaminated sites, operation of sampling equipment, test instruments/analysers and processing of data

observation of the candidate performing a range of sampling and testing tasks.

In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly.

Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.

The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work-like environment.

Guidance information for assessment

Required Skills and Knowledge

Required skills

Required skills include:

planning and preparing for working on contaminated sites

communicating effectively with other site personnel, and negotiating access and support

recognising hazards and assessing risks, using risk cards and following ‘step back’ procedures

interpreting and consistently applying health and safety plans and safe work methods, using safety equipment and personal protective equipment

‘reading the landscape’, site observational and descriptive skills

collecting samples in accordance with sampling plan/procedures, standards or instructions

using appropriate techniques to preserve the integrity of samples and transport them safely

demonstrating correct and safe use of sampling/field test equipment and/or analysers, including set-up, pre-use checks, calibration and performance checks

using field test equipment/portable analysers to obtain reliable, quantitative results

identifying and rectifying basic instrument faults

identifying atypical data and samples and taking appropriate action

solving technical problems and responding effectively to changed/unforeseen circumstances

seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility

completing accurate records of site observations, sampling, test data and results

writing/compiling concise and accurate reports

maintaining, cleaning and decontaminating equipment and personal protective equipment

following requirements for the safe collection and disposal of (hazardous) waste and preservation of the environment

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

specific legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice related to contaminated sites

common terminology used in sampling/testing of air, water and soil at contaminated sites

common site hazard and risks, risk assessment techniques and use of risk cards

properties and health risks associated with groups of contaminants, such as:

asbestos

heavy metals, such as lead, chromium and arsenic

chemical manufacture and industry wastes, such as acids/alkalis, resins, dyes, paints, solvents, fuels, oils, fertilisers, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols, chlorinated phenols, chlorinated benzenes and organochlorines

safe work methods and equipment, personal protective equipment, and health, safety and environment requirements relevant to site activities undertaken

overview of sampling plan design for contaminated sites, including preliminary sampling, non-targeted/grid sampling, targeted/judgemental sampling, and different sampling strategies for gas, water and soil

sampling/test methods/standards relevant to site activities undertaken

function of key components, operating principles of common sampling/test equipment relevant to site activities undertaken

common procedure/equipment problems leading to atypical data/results

labelling, chain of custody/traceability of samples and management of large volumes of data

recording and reporting procedures

Range Statement

Codes of practice

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used

Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements

Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:

federal legislation, such as

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

state/territory government legislation and regulations and local government by-laws, policies, and plans dealing with:

land use, acquisition, planning and protection

environmental protection

pollution and contaminated sites

Australian and international standards, such as:

AS ISO 14050:1999 Environmental management - Vocabulary

AS/NZS ISO 14000 Basic Set:2007 Environmental Management Basic Set

AS 4482.1:2005 Guide to the investigation and sampling of sites with potentially contaminated soil - non-volatile and semi-volatile compounds

AS 4482.2:1999 Guide to the investigation and sampling of sites with potentially contaminated soil – volatile substances

guidelines such as:

National Environment Protection Measure Assessment of Site Contamination - Schedule B (2) Guideline on data collection, sample design and reporting

enterprise sampling and monitoring protocols

equipment manuals and warranties, supplier catalogue and handbooks

government policy (e.g. environmental protection and impact assessment)

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

occupational health and safety (OHS) national standards and codes of practice

site-specific requirements

Site information and sources

Site information may include:

location of site, property details, and current and proposed use

site history details, such as:

site plans, zoning and adjacent land use

current and previous present owners, occupiers, users and contaminating uses/activities

current and previous buildings and structures

site industrial processes, raw materials, products, wastes/discharges and waste disposal locations

product spills/losses, incidents and accidents

sewer and other utilities/services, plans and previous power sources

chemical storage and transfer areas

earth moving activities

interviews, consultations and complaints

Sources of information may include:

government departments, such as:

environment, environmental protection, conservation, primary industry, water resources, lands and survey, and planning

agencies, such as:

Bureau of Meteorology

Geoscience Australia

libraries and environmental data sets

companies and employees, community representatives and historical societies

Visual inspection of the site

A visual inspection of the site may include:

current uses of site

disturbed, coloured or stained soil, and bare soil patches

disturbed or distressed vegetation

unusual odour

quality of surface water and surface water drainage

condition of buildings, floors and roads

presence of chemical containers and holding tanks

presence of fill, containment areas, sumps, drains, landfill, and obvious surface hazards, such as asbestos

underground structures that may be associated with sub-surface contamination

condition of materials storage/handling facilities, and solid/liquid waste disposal areas

evidence of off-site migration, on-site spillage of dangerous goods, and staining/sheens on surface water

Scope and purpose of sampling, field tests and/or monitoring

Scope and purpose of sampling, field tests and/or monitoring may include:

determining nature of contamination

determining concentration and distribution of contamination

identifying types and concentrations of contaminants for assessing potential exposure levels/risks

monitoring site conditions to check licence compliance or determine need for remedial action

rapid analysis of samples that may change between collection and analysis

rapid sample analysis during remediation activities

determining if clean-up has been achieved

screening of samples in the field

Samples

Samples may include:

air, soil gases and dust

soils

surface water and groundwater

radiation

replicates, field and trip (transport) blanks, rinsate blanks and background samples

Field tests and monitoring

Field tests and monitoring may include:

soil profile measurements and depth of fill

measurement of bores and water depth

screening of gas/vapours, soil and water samples using:

colour and texture

bioluminescence/toxicity test kits

colorimetric methods and dye shake tests

pH, electrical conductivity, redox potential, temperature, dissolved oxygen and ammonia concentration

photoionisation detectors (PID)

flame ionisation detectors (FID)

gas detectors

portable infrared analysers for methane and carbon monoxide (CO)

portable X-ray fluorescence spectrum analyses

field gas chromatography

measurement of radiation

Hazards/risks

Hazards/risks may include:

solar radiation, dust and noise

exposure to contaminants, such as chemicals, biohazards and radiation

working on uneven surfaces and in confined spaces

manual handling of heavy objects

crushing, entanglement and cuts associated with moving machinery and hand tools

heavy vehicle traffic on site

Safety procedures and equipment

Safety procedures may include:

preparation/approval of site health and safety plan for sampling/testing, and safe work permits/approvals

use of safe work method statements, site safety induction, risk cards, ‘step back’ and safety checks

use of (disposable) personal protective equipment

ensuring two persons are present

monitoring of atmosphere for hazardous gases

working upwind of known contaminants

prohibition of eating, drinking and smoking

decontamination facilities, procedures and materials for plant, equipment and personnel

safe collection and disposal of hazardous waste

careful handling of glass containers

separation of heavy equipment into smaller units/cases for transport

reporting procedures for safety problems

emergency procedures, access for emergency vehicles

regular medical checks

Safety equipment may include:

personal protective equipment, such as boots, helmets, gloves, eye and ear protection, overalls, face masks and filters, respirators, encapsulated suits, safety harness and safety torches

gas monitors, gas detectors, personal monitors, environmental monitors and radiation dosimeters

communication equipment (e.g. two-way radio and mobile phone)

materials safety data sheets (MSDS)

first aid equipment

OHS and environmental management requirements

OHS and environmental management requirements:

all operations must comply with enterprise OHS and environmental management requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation - these requirements must not be compromised at any time

all operations assume the potentially hazardous nature of samples and consumables, and require standard precautions to be applied

where relevant, users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health